Historic night for Miss Virginia USA pageant

Andre Senior wasjoined by Himanvi Panidepu who was crowned Miss Virginia Teen U.S.A., and Ashley Vollrath, who was crowned Miss Virginia U.S.A.

Staff , WVEC 2:20 PM. EDT October 23, 2017 (Photo: Miss Virginia USA)

NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- History was made at the Miss Virginia USA pageant over the weekend.

Ashley Vollrath, Miss Blacksburg USA, was crowned Miss Virginia USA. Himanvi Panidepu, Miss Central Virginia Teen USA, was crowned Miss Virginia Teen USA.

Panidepu is the first Indian-American winner of the Miss Teen USA pageant.

The winners will now serve as advocates for children and adults with special needs and disabilities through the pageant’s involvement with Best Buddies International, as well as serve the Commonwealth and other various causes.

Another big first of the night: Liv Fletcher, Miss Lake Anna USA, is the first openly gay contestant to ever place in the top 5.

Several dozen more competed in the pageant, which was hosted by 13News Now Daybreak anchor Andre Senior.

http://www.13newsnow.com/life/historic-night-for-miss-virginia-usa-pageant/485347082